Eighth-ranked USC will travel deep into the heart of Texas on Friday to play No. 5 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl (5:30, ESPN) at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

This may be the last time quarterback Sam Darnold will be seen in a Trojan uniform.

Darnold is projected to be one of the top NFL draft picks.

If this is his last game, he will have an extra incentive to prove he is the best college quarterback.

Darnold is surrounded by some of the best offensive talent in the nation.

The Trojans are four-deep at tailback, led by all-American Ronald Jones II. Vavae Malepeal, Jones, Stephen Carr and Aca’Cedric Ware combine speed and power. The fullback is Reuben Peters.

Darnold’s receivers started slowly but have improved during the second half.

Deontay Burnett is the No 1 receiver. Tight end position is held down by Tyler Petite, Josh Falo, and Daniel Imatornhebhe.

On defense, linebackers Cameron Smith and Uchena Nwosu have been outstanding.

Will bad memories play a role tomorrow?

The last time the Trojans were in Arlington, for last season’s opener, they were walloped 52-6 by Alabama, their worst loss in half a century.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com